Sonoma Valley: Small-Group Wine Tour & Sausalito Stop

Summary

San Francisco to Sonoma wine tastings plus Sausalito stroll and Golden Gate views

You’ll ride from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sonoma Valley for tastings at three boutique wineries (with all fees included), guided by a local who knows every backroad story. Lunch is up to you in historic Sonoma Square before a breezy stop in Sausalito and final bridge views. It’s relaxed, personal, and you’ll leave with more than just new favorite wines.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the fog still clinging to the Golden Gate Bridge as we crossed out of San Francisco — it looked almost painted on. Our guide, Matt, had this habit of pointing out random facts about the hills and vineyards we passed (I remember him saying something about Jack London living nearby, which I didn’t know). The van was small enough that you could actually hear everyone’s stories. Someone in the back kept laughing at my attempts to pronounce “Viognier” — honestly, I’m still not sure I got it right by the third winery.

I didn’t expect the air in Sonoma Valley to smell so green — like grass after rain mixed with something sweet from the wineries. We stopped at three places, all family-run. At one spot, a woman named Lisa poured us something called a “field blend” and told us about her dad planting those vines decades ago. There were dogs sleeping under the tasting bar and sunlight coming through old glass bottles stacked on a shelf. The pours were generous but never rushed; I liked that nobody tried to sell us anything extra.

Lunch was our own choice on Sonoma Square — I wandered into a bakery for a sandwich and sat outside watching kids chase each other around the old mission. It felt slow in a good way. After that, more wine (I started pacing myself), then we headed back toward San Francisco with a quick stop in Sausalito. The water there was bright blue and full of sailboats; someone bought ice cream even though it was chilly. We paused for photos at the bridge again — this time, sun everywhere — and then drove back into city traffic feeling just loose enough from the day. Sometimes I still think about that light in Sonoma, how it made everything feel softer than home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Francisco to Sonoma wine tour

• Hotel pick-up in San Francisco
• Cross Golden Gate Bridge
• Travel to Sonoma Valley
• Visit first boutique winery
• Visit second boutique winery
• Visit third boutique winery
• Lunch in historic Sonoma Square
• Stop in scenic Sausalito
• View Golden Gate Bridge
• Return to San Francisco hotel

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Sonoma wine tour?

You’ll visit three boutique wineries during the day trip from San Francisco.

Is lunch included on the Sonoma Valley wine tour?

No, lunch is not included—you can choose where to eat on Sonoma Square during your free time.

Are tasting fees included in this small-group wine tour?

Yes, all wine tasting fees at each winery are included in your booking price.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel in San Francisco?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for selected hotels in downtown San Francisco; check when booking.

How long does the entire tour last?

The tour runs from approximately 9am until 4:30-5pm including travel time and stops.

Do you stop anywhere besides wineries?

Yes—there’s free time for lunch in historic Sonoma Square plus short stops at Sausalito and Golden Gate Bridge for photos.

Is there an option to stay longer in Sausalito?

You can choose to stay in Sausalito and return to San Francisco by ferry (ticket not included).

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

The group travels by air-conditioned minivan; groups are limited to 12 people for comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within downtown San Francisco, transport by comfortable minivan with live commentary from your local guide, all wine tasting fees at three boutique wineries in Sonoma Valley, plus plenty of time to explore historic Sonoma Square for lunch before returning via scenic Sausalito and Golden Gate Bridge views.